Southern Cross University chief opposes cap on student numbers

The chairman of Australia's Regional Universities Network says he would oppose any plans to re-introduce a cap on student numbers.

The Federal Education Minister, Christopher Pyne, says he is reviewing the uncapped system of university places - but denies planning to re-instate the cap.

Mr Pyne says he is concerned some courses do not lead to a job.

But professor Peter Lee, from the Southern Cross University, says the current system is working well in regional areas.

"The demand-driven system has meant that universities like Southern Cross and all the regional universities have been able to expand and put on new courses in allied health, in engineering that are in great demand," he said.

"So we'd be very reluctant to see a return to a cap or quota system."We're offering degrees in allied health, in nursing, in midwifery, in osteopathy, in podiatry, in speech pathology, in engineering, environmental science, in education.

"These are professions that are in great demand."

The minister also wants to abolish the compulsory student services and amenities fee, which was scrapped by the Howard Government and re-introduced by Labor.

But professor Lee says the levy is vital in regional areas.

"The abolition of the student services amenities fee would differentially hurt regional universities," he said.

"In the city you have a greater array of facilities around university campuses.

"Sporting facilities, health, medical facilities that are just not available in regional settings."

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